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Yes, you're correct. That would both eliminate the error for initial replies and dramatically reduce the rate that continuations expire when using other site f

by palish 18y ago

Yes, you're correct. That would both eliminate the error for initial replies and dramatically reduce the rate that continuations expire when using other site features. Unfortunately, that would completely remove the ability to "reply". :) When a logged-in user loads a Hacker News page, the server must generate a unique set of continuations for that user (one per each link that requires a continuation.) In other words, if everyone shared the same set of continuations, everyone would see the exact same Hacker News. The username in the upper-right corner would be the same, everyone's comments would be tagged with the same username, etc. Does that make sense? So the "reply" link requires a continuation because you're adding a comment that's tagged with your username. But the "link" link does not require one because you're simply viewing a comment.

jcl 18y ago
Did you click on the "link" link? It has a box and reply button just like the reply page. So removing the "reply" link wouldn't remove the ability to reply. I assume the inputs for the reply function are adequately captured by the URL (comment ID) and cookies (logged-in user) and thus don't require a continuation.
- palish 18y ago
  Oh snaps son. I got burned. You're right, I didn't click on the "link" link and assumed that it was only for viewing the comment. I sincerely apologize.
  - jcl 18y ago
    No problem. Now all we need is for PG to tell us why it won't work. :) It's obviously a slightly different user experience, since users that aren't logged in won't get prompted to register/log in when clicking on "reply".
    - palish 18y ago
      Keep in mind that getting rid of the "reply" link continuation would make the "Unknown or expired link" error less frequent, but it wouldn't solve the core issue of "each user requires a unique set of continuations". It would be a good stopgap measure in the meantime, though.

by palish 18y ago

jcl 18y ago

Did you click on the "link" link? It has a box and reply button just like the reply page. So removing the "reply" link wouldn't remove the ability to reply. I assume the inputs for the reply function are adequately captured by the URL (comment ID) and cookies (logged-in user) and thus don't require a continuation.

palish 18y ago
Oh snaps son. I got burned. You're right, I didn't click on the "link" link and assumed that it was only for viewing the comment. I sincerely apologize.
- jcl 18y ago
  No problem. Now all we need is for PG to tell us why it won't work. :) It's obviously a slightly different user experience, since users that aren't logged in won't get prompted to register/log in when clicking on "reply".
  - palish 18y ago
    Keep in mind that getting rid of the "reply" link continuation would make the "Unknown or expired link" error less frequent, but it wouldn't solve the core issue of "each user requires a unique set of continuations". It would be a good stopgap measure in the meantime, though.